I’m super excited about this month’s gardening because August marks the transition from summer to fall here in Florida. The planting possibilities are vast, and I’ve got some surprises for you on what veggies you should start growing now. Stick around as I share the top vegetables for this month, discuss ongoing projects, and drop a special tip to maximize your garden’s potential.
We’re currently in the full swing of summer, and the heat is intense so get growing now! However, August is a critical month as it signifies the shift towards the fall season, especially for us down here in the South. I usually provide a general list of veggies for the entire state, but this month I’ll base it on different regions in Florida.
Let’s break it down by areas:
North Florida:
- Start beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, cucumbers, eggplants, kale, mustard, bunching onions, peppers, squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes.
- Continue growing tropical spinaches.
- Add turnips to the mix.
Central Florida:
- Begin planting beans, carrots, cow peas, eggplants, okra, bunching onions, peppers, pineapples, squash, tomatoes, tomatillos, and tropical spinaches.
- Maintain the growth of some summer crops.
South Florida:
- Continue growing summer crops such as amaranth, eggplant, okra, papaya, peppers, pineapple, regular and Seminole pumpkins, squashes (summer and winter), sweet potatoes, tomatillos, tomatoes, and tropical spinach.
- Start a few warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers for a head start.
As August is a month of significant change, it’s vital to focus on various tasks in the garden to prepare for the upcoming fall season. These tasks include:
- Clipping Cover Crops: Trim down cover crops and use them as mulch to enhance soil quality.
- Composting: Lay fresh homemade compost on top of cover crops to provide essential nutrients to the soil.
- Ordering Seed Garlic: Order your seed garlic now to allow for vernalization in the fridge, a crucial step for bulb formation.
- Ordering Seed Potatoes: Consider ordering seed potatoes, preferably from trusted sources like Grand Tetons Organics.
Special Tip for Tomatoes:
Tomatoes can be tricky to germinate in the heat of summer. Consider starting them indoors using a hydroponic system like an AeroGarden. Alternatively, start seeds in trays indoors, paying close attention to light needs, or move them outside cautiously to avoid excessive rain and ensure proper hydration. Happy gardening!
